Oyster Bay, N.Y., Code of Ordinances ch. 135 (eCode360 ed. 2026) § 135-14
Light and ventilation
Operative Text
A. Habitable space shall be provided with natural light through one or more windows, skylights, transparent or translucent panels, or any combinations thereof, that face directly on legal open spaces at least six inches above the adjoining finished grade or are above a roof. The amount of light shall be equivalent to that transmitted through clear glass equal in area to 10% of the floor area of the habitable space. B. Habitable space shall be provided with artificial light. C. Habitable space shall be provided with natural ventilation through openable parts of windows or other openings in exterior walls that face legal open spaces above the adjoining finished grade or above a roof, or through openable parts of skylights, providing total clear ventilation area equal to not less than 5% of the total floor area of each habitable space. D. Habitable space may also be provided with mechanical ventilation in addition to natural ventilation.
Section 135-14 of Oyster Bay's Code of Ordinances establishes minimum light and ventilation standards for all habitable spaces. Every habitable room must receive natural light through windows, skylights, or similar transparent openings facing legal open spaces, with the total glazed area equal to at least 10% of the floor area. Natural ventilation must be provided through openable windows or other exterior openings totaling at least 5% of the floor area, and artificial light is also required; mechanical ventilation may supplement but does not replace the natural ventilation requirement.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Under § 135-14, compliant operators ensure that every habitable room in a rental unit has windows or skylights with a combined glazed area of at least 10% of that room's floor area, all facing legal open spaces or positioned above a roof. Operators also verify that openable portions of those windows or other exterior openings provide a clear ventilation area of at least 5% of each habitable room's floor area. Artificial lighting must be present in all habitable spaces, and while mechanical ventilation systems may be added, they do not substitute for the required natural ventilation openings under this section.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Section 135-14 gives occupants of habitable spaces the right to adequate natural light and ventilation — specifically, glazed openings equal to 10% of floor area and openable ventilation equal to 5% of floor area — as well as functional artificial lighting. If a unit appears to fall short of these standards, tenants can document the conditions and raise the deficiency with the Town of Oyster Bay's code enforcement or building department. Tenant-rights organizations can help residents understand how a violation of § 135-14 might be raised in a housing proceeding or complaint process.
General guidance for tenants — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult a tenant-rights organization or attorney for advice on your case.
Generated November 9, 2026 — auto-generated, not yet human-reviewed. See /transparency for methodology.
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